Our Story
Shippy Rodeo Bulls began in 1996 with a spark and a standout calf. Randy purchased a purebred Limousin bull calf for practice, never imagining that young bull — later named #S4 Ruby Red — would become a legend. Ruby was bucked in the practice pen until he was three years old. By then, it was clear: Ruby wasn’t just any bull — he was something special.
In 1998, after an injury ended Randy's riding career, he shifted focus to raising and hauling bucking bulls. That same year, he began hauling bulls to open bull ridings, and by 1999, he had earned his SDRA and NRCA contracting cards. That year, Ruby Red and two other bulls were selected to compete at both associations’ finals.
Later in 1999, Randy expanded his program by purchasing nine yearling Plummer bulls from Ronnie Roach, including #938 Baby Brother, a maternal half-brother to the legendary herd sire, Spook. This group also included future stars 007 Secret Agent, 77 Stone Cold, and 28 Livewire.
In 2000, Randy married Jennie on her family’s ranch in Wyoming, and that same year, Ruby Red hit the PBR circuit, becoming an instant fan favorite. Ruby went unridden in PBR competition, throwing off the likes of JW Hart, Cody Hart, Tater Porter, Ross Coleman, and Danny Varnadore. He was even selected as the Mossy Oak Shootout Bull in Grand Rapids, MI. Tragically, in the fall of 2000, Ruby broke and dislocated his front knee just before the PBR Finals. Despite the injury, he still made Cody Lambert’s Top 10 Rankest Bulls list of the year.
By spring 2001, the first Plummer cross calves from S4 Ruby Red and Chili Pepper daughters were hitting the ground — the start of a bloodline that continues to shape our program today. We have truly been blessed to do what we love for more than 20 years.
One of our proudest moments came in 2004 with the purchase of 13 Unhappy Gilmore (aka Big Deal) from Dibbet’s in Iowa. At just three years old, he was sold for an industry-leading $65,000 — the highest sale for a 3-year-old bucking bull at the time. He went on to win the 2004 ABBI Classic Championship and was the 2005 Reserve Classic Champion. Semen from him and other proven bulls is now available through our program.
We’ve also experienced loss. In July 2004, 007 Secret Agent, a foundational sire, was tragically struck by lightning. Though gone too soon, his legacy lives on through his sons and grandsons — every one of them bucks. Two of his sons were sold to Texas for $27,500 each and went on to compete at the NFR.
Today, we continue to breed and raise top-tier bucking bulls with a strong focus on performance and pedigree. We’re currently breeding to sires like 05/E Disco Inferno (60-3 Inferno x Page 45/B) and select home-raised bulls that carry forward our legacy of power, heart, and consistency.
Over the years, we’ve made lifelong friends, partnered with incredible people, and been proud to see Shippy-raised bulls compete at the highest levels in PBR, PRCA, and beyond.
We hosted our first public production sale in 2008, and while we now primarily sell online and by private treaty, our commitment to quality and honesty hasn’t changed.
Stop In and See Us
If you’re in the market for cows or bulls — or just want to talk bucking bulls — give us a call anytime at 605-842-5089.
We’d love to have you stop by, walk through the cattle, and share a few stories.
Welcome to the Shippy Rodeo Bulls family.